Display package assembly

ABSTRACT

A primary blank ( 10 ) comprises a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rear panel ( 12 ), a tray center panel ( 14 ), a back panel ( 16 ), a tray top ( 18 ), and a glue flap ( 20 ). These panels ( 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 ) are foldably attached along fold lines ( 24, 26, 28, 30 ), respectively. The tray center panel ( 14 ) further includes end wall flap ( 40 ), foldably attached along fold lines ( 42 ), and tray end wall flaps ( 44 ). The end wall flaps ( 44 ) further includes securing apertures ( 52 ) for receiving and holding and item (A), as described. A secondary blank ( 100 ) has a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here an inner panel ( 102 ), a side panel ( 104 ), a front panel ( 106 ), another side panel ( 108 ), and an inner panel ( 110 ) are foldably connected along fold lines ( 112, 114, 116, 118 ), respectively. The inner panel ( 102 ) includes a stop tab receiving channel cutout ( 120 ) and the back panel ( 110 ) includes a stop tab keyhole ( 122 ). When erected this secondary blank ( 100 ) forms an outer sleeve or ( 140 ), configured to slideably receive the primary container ( 80 ) and stop tab ( 70 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to packages comprisingan inner support structure and a surrounding outer sleeve. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to packages wherein theitems stored within an interior cavity are accessible by removing anouter sleeve or a portion thereof, such as a front panel or end cap.

BACKGROUND

The present invention departs from the current packaging industryenvironments and the known prior art through the creative manner inwhich the inventors identified present and future needs, and thendeveloped flexible solutions that address both isolated and overlappingfailures in the present art to satisfy those needs. Through the presentinvention, as taught and illustrated through exemplary embodiments,obstacles including structural integrity, display, privacy,child-resistance, tamper evidence, ease of access, consistent operationthrough repeated use, and price-point economics are simultaneouslysolved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of aprimary container, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of anouter sleeve, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary primary container,according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c are perspective views of an exemplary package and a methodof use, according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary package, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary alternative blank, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the partially erected blank of FIG. 6,according to the present invention,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a partially erected container, accordingto the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 b are perspective views of an exemplary container and amethod of use, according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary blanks for forming an embodiment of aprimary container, according to the present invention,

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary blank for forming an embodiment of anouter sleeve, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary package,according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an alternative perspective view of an embodiment of anexemplary package, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary examples of the invention that may be embodied in various andalternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word“exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as anillustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimizedto show details of particular components. In other instances, well-knowncomponents, systems, materials or methods have not been described indetail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, wherein like numerals refer to like elementsthroughout the various figures, there is shown a primary blank 10comprising a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rearpanel 12, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, a tray top panel 18,and a glue flap 20. These panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are foldablyattached along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30, respectively.

The illustrated tray center panel 14 further includes end wall flaps 40,foldably attached along fold lines 42, and tray end wall flaps 44. Thetray end wall flaps 44 are defined by fold lines 46 and cut lines 48,the cut lines further defining a removed section 50. The illustrated endwall flaps 44 further include securing apertures 52 for receiving andholding an item (A), as described below. Alternative embodiments presentalternative means for securing that hold an item. End flaps 54 arefoldably attached to the back panel 16 along fold lines 56. Theillustrated tray top panel 18 includes tray side wall flaps 60, foldablyattached along fold lines 62. The side wall flaps 60 are further definedby cut lines 64, which also define another removed section 66. Theillustrated glue flap 20 also includes a stop tab 70, foldably attachedalong a fold line 72 and defined, in part, by opposite cut lines 74.When erected, this exemplary primary blank 10 forms a primary container80 that defines an internal cavity 82, as best illustrated and describedwith references to FIGS. 3-5.

Turning to FIG. 2, there is shown a secondary blank 100 having of aplurality of foldably attached panels. Here an inner panel 102, a sidepanel 104, a front panel 106, another side panel 108, and an inner panel110 are foldably connected along fold lines 112, 114, 116, 118,respectively. The illustrated inner panel 102 includes a stop tabreceiving channel cutout 120 and the illustrated back panel 110 includesa stop tab keyhole 122. When erected this exemplary secondary blank 100forms an outer sleeve or exterior container 140, which includes areceiving channel 130, configured to slideably receive the primarycontainer 80 and stop tab 70, as best illustrated and described withreference to FIGS. 4 a-4 c and 5.

Before turning fully to FIGS. 4 a-4 c and 5, where the function andoperation of an exemplary package 150 is taught, we refer concurrentlyto FIGS. 1-3 to teach how the illustrated blanks 10, 100 are folded anderected to form the primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140. Onenon-limiting method of erecting the illustrated primary blank 10includes folding the tray rear panel 12 upwardly and inwardly along itsadjacent fold line 24 toward the tray back panel 16. While folding thetray rear panel 12 the tray center panel 14 will follow, rotating abouta second adjacent fold line 26. Before or after placing the back of thetray rear panel 12 over the face of the back panel 16 to form a traybase, the tray end wall flaps 44 are folded downwardly along adjacentfold lines 46 into positions that are substantially perpendicular, withrespect to the rear panel 12, and opposite each other. Further, the endwall flaps 40 are pressed inwardly along adjacent fold lines 42 to formend walls that are curved and substantially perpendicular with respectto the rear panel 12. Thereafter, each end flap 54 is folded completelyinwardly along its adjacent fold line 56 to lock the ends of the trayrear panel 12. In this configuration, an internal cavity 82, in thiscase a tray for receiving and holding an item (A), is partially erected.Completing this method of erecting, the glue flap 20 is folded upwardlyand inwardly along its adjacent fold line 30 toward and around theerected tray center panel 14, and then the face of the glue flap 20 isattached to the exposed back of the back panel 16. While folding theglue panel 20 the tray top panel 18 will follow, rotating about a secondadjacent fold line 28. Before or after attaching the glue flap 20 to theback panel 16, the tray side wall flaps 60 are folded downwardly alongadjacent fold lines 62 into positions that are opposite each other andsubstantially perpendicular, with respect to the rear panel 12. FIG. 3illustrates an erected and standing primary container 80.

In alternative embodiments the tray rear panel 12 is attached to thetray center panel 16, thus eliminating the end flaps 54. Further,alternative internal cavity 82 configurations are contemplated asprovided by tray center panels 14 and/or tray top panels 18 ofalternative designs. In addition, alternative embodiments vary the widthand size of certain panels, reposition certain panels or tabs,reconfigure certain panels or tabs, and eliminate certain panels andtabs. For example, alternative embodiments can reduce or eliminate thetray rear panel 12, reduce or eliminate the glue flap 20, reduce oreliminate the tray side wall flaps 60, reduce or locate the stop tab 70to the back panel 16, and reconfigure the tray end wall or side wallflaps 44, 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, one non-limiting method of erectingthe secondary blank 100 includes inwardly folding the inner panel 102along an adjacent fold line 112 and then inwardly folding the exteriorback panel 110 along an adjacent fold line 118 so that the inner panel102 and back panel 110 are in a face-contacting configuration. The backof the back panel 110 is then attached to the face of the inner panel102. In connecting the back panel 110 and inner panel 102, the stop tabreceiving channel cutout 120 cooperatively forms a receiving channel130, and the sidewall panels 104, 108 are substantially perpendicular,with reference to the back panel 110. When fully erected the blanks 10,100 result in the primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140 thatcomprise a package 150, best illustrated in FIG. 5.

With regard to FIGS. 4 and 5, the exemplary package 150 is created byinserting an erected primary container 80 into an erected outer sleeve140. For clarity and purposes of teaching, and not as a limitation orrestriction, the exemplary package 150 is illustrated with a transparentouter sleeve 140 and opaque primary container 80. In the fully closedposition shown in FIG. 4 a the item(s) stored in the internal cavity 82may be visible but are not easily accessible. For those embodimentswhere the stop tab 12 is absent or not restrained, the primary container80 can be slid by pushing on either end wall structure until it is slidout from the outer sleeve 140 enough to access the items stored in theinternal cavity 82. For those embodiments that include a stop tab 70 andelongated receiving channel 130, the primary container 80 is stoppedfrom further sliding when the stop tab 70 abuts an end of the receivingchannel 130, as best shown in FIG. 4 c.

Consideration is now given to those embodiments that include achild-resistance feature comprising a stop tab 70 and stop tab keyhole122, as best shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 c and 5. As shown in FIG. 4 a, theexemplary package 150 is locked because the stop tab 70 extendsoutwardly beyond the plane of the stop tab keyhole 122. To unlock thepackage 150 the stop tab 70 is completely pushed through the stop tabkeyhole 122 and seated within the receiving channel 130. With the stoptab 70 fully seated within the receiving channel 130 the primarycontainer 80 can be partially or fully extended within the outer sleeve140, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This setting of the stop tab 70requires a certain level of cognitive development and coordination thatis beyond some age groups. Accordingly, even a vigorous attempt by anunintended user to slide the primary container 80 before seating thestop tab 70 should be thwarted if the respective blanks 10, 100 are ofsufficiently sturdy materials.

Where a vigorous attempt is not thwarted and one or more components ofthe package are destroyed—most likely the stop tab 70, the destroyedcomponent(s) serves as tamper evidence. In some embodiments the stop tab70 is secured to one or more outer sleeve panels 106, 108, 110. By wayof example and not limitation, the stop tab 70 may be folded back andattached to the front panel 106 or sidewall 108 with adhesives or glues,or sealed with tape. Alternatively, the stop tab 70 can be similarlyattached to the back panel 110. An unsecured or unsealed stop tab 70serves as further tamper evidence.

It is contemplated that some package embodiments will include achild-resistant feature that includes a stop tab 70, such as thosepackages that store and dispense prescription drugs that could beharmful if ingested by a small child. Where the end-user does notrequire a child-resistant feature because there are no children in hisor her environment, the stop tab 70 can be permanently removed bysevering it from the attached panel 20.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative composite blank200 comprising a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a trayrear panel 12, a tray center panel 14, a back panel 16, a tray top panel18, and a glue flap 20. These panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are foldablyattached along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30, respectively.

The illustrated tray center panel 14 further includes end wall flaps 40,foldably attached along fold lines 42, and tray end wall flaps 44. Thetray end wall flaps 44 are defined by fold lines 46 and cut lines 48,the cut lines 48 further define a removed section 50. The illustratedend wall flaps 44 further include securing apertures 52 for receivingand holding an item (A), as described below. End flaps 54 are foldablyattached to the back panel 16 along fold lines 56. The illustrated backpanel 16 includes a stop tab keyhole 122. The illustrated tray top panel18 includes a window 202 overlaid by a window pane 204. The illustratedglue flap 20 also includes a stop tab 70, foldably attached alongopposite fold lines 72 and defined, in part, by a cut line 74 thatdefines a locking edge 206. When erected, this exemplary composite blank200 forms a composite container 220 that includes an internal cavity 210and locking sleeve 212, as best illustrated and described withreferences to FIGS. 7-9 a-9 b.

As illustrated by FIG. 7, the folding and erecting of the compositeblank 200 tray rear panel 12, tray center panel 14, and back panel 16are substantially the same as described above with reference to theprimary blank 10. After the internal cavity 210 is formed, as best shownin FIGS. 7 and 8, an item(s) (A) can be inserted and held by the endwall flaps 44, or similar means for securing. Completing this method oferecting, the glue flap 20 is folded upwardly and inwardly along itsadjacent fold line 30 toward and around the erected tray center panel14, and then the locking edge 206 of the stop tab 70 is inserted intothe stop tab keyhole 122 located on the back panel 16. While folding theglue panel 20 the tray top panel 18 will follow, rotating about a secondadjacent fold line 28. As the stop tab 70 is attached to the back panel16, the top panel 18 covers the internal cavity 210 and any item(s) (A)therein. In the illustrated embodiment the window pane 204 provides aview to the internal cavity 210 and any contents. In alternativeembodiments, there is no window 202 or window pane 204.

As best illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 8, the composite blank 200 combinesmany elements found in the primary blank 10 and secondary blank 100 toprovide a composite container 220 that combines many of the features ofthe primary container 80 and outer sleeve 140.

Consideration is now given to those embodiments that include achild-resistance feature comprising a stop tab 70 and stop tab keyhole122, best shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b. In a locked configuration the stoptab locking edge 206 is inserted into the stop tab keyhole 122. As bestshown in FIG. 9 a, the exemplary package 220 is unlocked by lifting thelocking tab 70 upwardly and outwardly, which pulls the locking edge 206from the stop tab keyhole 122. By continuing to lift the glue flap 20away from the back panel 16 and rotate the glue flap 20 about thecontainer, as shown by the directional arrows in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b, the toppanel 18 is pulled away to reveal the contents of the internal cavityand to allow access to the content.

In some embodiments, the stop tab 70 is secured to one or more outersleeve panels 16, 18. By way of example and not limitation, the stop tab70 may be attached to the back panel 16 or front panel 18 with adhesivesor glues, or sealed with tape. An unsecured or unsealed stop tab 70serves as further tamper evidence.

Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown a pair of alternative primaryblanks 300, 302 that cooperate to form a primary container 306 andinternal cavity 308, described below.

The first primary blank 300 combines a plurality of some panelsdescribed above, namely, a tray top panel 18, a tray center panel 14, aback panel 16, and a glue flap 20. These panels are foldably attachedalong fold lines 24, 26, 28, respectively. The tray top panel 18 andtray center panel 14 include end wall flaps 40 foldably attached alongfold lines 42, a tray end wall flap 44 foldably attached along a foldline 46, and an end flap 56 foldably attached along a fold line 56. Thetray end wall flap 44 further includes securing apertures 52. Inaddition, these panels 18, 14 each include a locking tab aperture 304.To erect the first primary blank 300 the glue flap 20 is folded upwardlyand inwardly so that the back of the glue flap 20 is laid over andattached to the tray center panel 14. In this configuration the backpanel 16 faces the glue flap 20 and extends upwardly between adjacentfold lines 26, 28. The tray top panel 18 is likewise folded upwardly andinwardly so that the face of the top panel 18 is laid over and attachedto the back panel 16. In this configuration a first end wall structure,having an overall profile, begins to take shape. To complete thisassembly the end wall flaps 40 are folded inwardly, and then the trayend wall 44 and end flap 54 are folded inwardly and attached to therespective end wall flaps 40. The result is a first end wall structure310 configured to lockably engage a first end of an outer sleeve 410.

The second primary blank 302 combines the same plurality of panels asdescribed above, namely, a tray top panel 18, a tray center panel 14, aback panel 16, and a glue flap 20. These panels are similarly configuredand include the same elements, except that the second blank 302 includesa stop tab keyhole 122 instead of locking tab apertures 304. Theassembly of the second end wall blank 302 is substantially identical tothe assembly of the first end wall blank 300. The result is a second endwall structure 320 configured to releaseably engage a second end of anouter sleeve 410.

With reference now to FIG. 11, there is shown a secondary blank 400having a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here a back panel 110, afront panel 106, and an inner panel 102 are foldably connected alongfold lines 112, 114, respectively. The illustrated back panel 110includes a stop tab 70 defined, in part, by opposite cut lines 72 and afold line 74. Further, the back panel 110 and front panel 106 eachinclude a locking tab 402. When erected in the manner described abovewith regard to the first outer sleeve 140, and with the locking tabs 402folded inwardly, this exemplary secondary blank 400 forms an outersleeve or exterior container 410 best illustrated and described withreference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown an exemplary package500, comprising a first end wall structure 310 and a second end wallstructure 320 that define a primary container 306, and an outer sleeve410, which, together, define an inner cavity 308 for holding an item(s)(A). The first end wall structure 310 is locked to the outer sleeve 410by inwardly folding the locking tabs 402 and inserting the end wallstructure 310 into that end of the outer sleeve 410 until the lockingtabs 402 engage the locking tab apertures 304. The second end wallstructure 320 is releaseably locked to the outer sleeve 410 by insertingthe end wall structure 320 into the opposite end of the outer sleeve,and then inserting the stop tab 70 into the stop tab keyhole 122.

To open or otherwise access the contents held by this embodiment, thestop tab 70 is removed from the stop tab keyhole 122 and then the secondend wall structure 320 can be slideably removed from the outer sleeve410. As described above, the stop tab 70 may include additional theftresistant, child-resistant, and tamper resistant features.

While the primary blanks 10, 300, 302, the secondary blanks 100, 400,and the combined blank 200 are illustrated and described as unitaryblanks, it will be understood that the respective blanks can be formedof individual, separate panels that are connected or otherwise attachedto form an erected primary container and outer sleeve similar to thoseillustrated and described below. In addition, some panels are referencedwith directional or orientation words such as “front”, “back”,“interior” and “exterior” to merely indicate relative positions in anerected configuration; accordingly, these terms are merely used for easeof reference and teaching and not as a limitation or restriction of anykind.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibited to illustrateand teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, theabove-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations ofimplementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles ofthe invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be madeto the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope ofthe claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations areincluded herein by the scope of this disclosure and the followingclaims.

1. A blank for forming an inner container, comprising: a front panelincluding opposite ends and an access aperture; a back panel includingopposite ends and attached to said front panel; and, at least two endflaps, each of said flaps attached to opposite ends of one of saidpanels.
 2. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a stop tab attachedto one of said panels.
 3. The blank of claim 1, further comprising athird panel attached to one of said front and back panels, wherein saidthird panel is configure to attached said front and back panels.
 4. Theblank of claim 1, wherein said panels and flaps are erected and attachedto define an internal cavity.
 5. A blank for forming an outer sleeve,comprising: a front panel; an inner panel including a receiving channelcutout; a back panel; and, wherein said panels are attached such thatsaid channel cutout forms a stop tab receiving channel
 6. The blank ofclaim 5, wherein said back panel further comprises a stop tab keyhole.7. The blank of claim 6, wherein said panels are erected and attached todefine a void for receiving an inner container.
 8. A blank for forming apackage, comprising: an inner front panel including opposite ends; aninner back panel including opposite ends and attached to said frontpanel; an outer front panel attached to one of said inner front paneland inner back panel; and, at least two end flaps, each of said flapsattached to opposite ends of one of said panels.
 9. The blank of claim8, further comprising an exterior back panel.
 10. The blank of claim 8,wherein said panels and flaps are erected and attached to define aninternal cavity.
 11. A package, comprising: an inner container,comprising: an inner front panel including opposite ends and an accessaperture; an inner back panel including opposite ends and attached tosaid inner front panel; at least two end flaps, each of said flapsattached to opposite ends of one of said inner panels; wherein saidinner panels and flaps are erected and attached to define an internalcavity; and, an outer sleeve, comprising: an exterior front panel; anexterior back panel; wherein said exterior panels are erected andattached to define a void for receiving said inner container,
 12. Thepackage of claim 11, wherein said inner container further comprises astop tab attached to one of said inner panels.
 13. The package of claim11, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises an internal panelincluding a receiving channel cutout.
 14. The package of claim 13,wherein said exterior and internal panels are attached such that saidchannel cutout forms a stop tab receiving channel.
 15. The package ofclaim 13, wherein said inner container further comprises a third innerpanel attached to one of said front and back panels, wherein said thirdpanel is configured to attach said front and back panels.
 16. Thepackage of claim 11, wherein said outer sleeve further comprises a stoptab keyhole.
 17. A package, comprising: a first end wall structurecomprising a plurality of panels and at least one locking aperture; asecond end wall structure comprising a plurality of panels; an outersleeve comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one lockingtab attached to one of said panels; and, wherein said exterior panelsare erected to define opposite ends for receiving said wall structuresand a void there between for receiving an item.